A police investigation is the process by which criminals are tracked down and prosecuted. The investigation involves a systematic approach to gathering information and examining crime scenes. It also includes analyzing facts, interviewing witnesses, and collecting and preserving evidence. Modern investigations often use a wide range of techniques, including fingerprinting, DNA identification, photography and photomicrography, ballistics, document examination, and voiceprint analysis.
The NYPD’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is one of the premier investigative agencies in the world. Its detectives solve homicides, break up drug trafficking and organized robbery patterns, reduce gang and crew activity, investigate missing persons cases, and root out corruption.
Police investigators are trained to preserve and protect the integrity of a scene. They carefully photograph and mark evidence with numbered tabs to ensure that it remains unaltered and available for prosecution. When they interview witnesses, investigators use various interrogation techniques to obtain the most useful information from suspects and victims. These methods include cognitive interviewing, the Reid technique, and a variety of other questioning strategies. They also work with the victim services unit to support and help the victims of crimes.
If you are a victim of a sexual or domestic crime then the police may wish to carry out an identity procedure where they ask for your assistance to identify the person that committed the offence against you. This will usually involve an interview with a specially trained officer of the same gender. Where possible the interview will be videotaped.